Another Example of Why We MUST FIGHT BACK With The Truth
Above image: Some of the services and products targeted for boycot to harm Israel
Here is the standard fare from a Middle East publication, Gulf Daily News, for March 17, 2012 by Sandeep Singh Grewal. This paper calls itself, "the voice of Bahrain":
ACTIVISTS have demanded nationwide boycotts of Israeli products amid new attacks on Palestinians.
The Bahrain Society against Normalisation with the Zionist Enemy is calling on the government to reopen the Israel Boycott Office.
It comes amid reports of Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip which killed at least 15 people last week in an escalation of the worst clashes with Palestinian militants so far this year.
The strikes began when the air raids killed senior leader Zohair Al Qaisi, who is also Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) secretary-general.
Israel later claimed Mr Al Qaisi was targeted because he was planning an attack.
"Reopening of the Israel boycott office in Bahrain would set an example in Gulf countries especially when violence has escalated on the Gaza Strip," said society vice-president Abdulla Malik.
The office was initially set up in 1963 in Mina Salman, but was shut down in 2005 as part of the deal with the US to pass the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
It aimed to make sure no Israeli product was allowed into the Bahraini market.
It was operated by the society and monitored by the Customs Directorate.
The Arab League was the first to launch a similar boycott office in 1951 in Damascus, Syria, to identify foreigners doing business with Israel and ban them from operating in the Arab world.
"Syria and Lebanon strictly adhere to ban on Israeli goods, but we have to ensure all Arab and Gulf countries collectively work together on the issue," he said.
"I know Bahrain authorities will say there are no Israeli goods and products in Bahrain, but according to our information the door to these goods is the Fifth Fleet."
The society launched a petition to reopen the boycott office in 2009 but collected more than 200 signatures.
However, Mr Malik said they were planning several awareness campaigns and activities to push for their demands.
"This time, our board is planning several activities and conferences to raise this issue," he said. "There are also plans being considered to send a team of volunteers from Bahrain on an aid convoy to Gaza through Egypt's Rafah border."
Mr Malik also called on MPs to pass a law that criminalises all ties and contacts with Israel.
MPs approved legislation in 2009 to penalise links with Israel but it was never discussed by the Shura Council and later dropped.
It means the bill could not be transferred to the present parliament term.
It imposed a five-year jail term and a BD10,000 fine for individuals and businessmen engaging in trade activities with Israel, included selling or promoting its products.
The law also stated to reopen the office and prosecute any Bahraini travelling to or through Israel and ban the government from setting up any diplomatic mission.
"We contacted several government offices for years now but sadly received no response from their end," said Mr Malik.
"It's important that once again the MPs take up the Anti-Israel bill and approve it during their term.
"This would also result in re-opening the office and would clearly indicate Bahrain's stance on the Palestinian issue."
Bahrain and other GCC countries have no diplomatic relations with Israel.
Its foreign policy document supports a peaceful solution to the Palestinian cause and supports the restoration of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights.
It further holds Israel responsible for the deteriorating and painful situation in Palestinian lands as a result of its aggressive practices which include assassinations, the construction of the separation wall, attacking holy places and imposing economic blockades.
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